Improved early outcome after TKA through an app-based active muscle training programme-a randomized-controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health

Background:

• Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recovery often involves managing postoperative pain and restoring range of motion (ROM).
• Traditional rehabilitation protocols may not always optimize immediate postoperative outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an app-based, feedback-controlled active muscle training program in the immediate postoperative period following TKA.
• To compare the outcomes of this digital intervention against standard postoperative care.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized-controlled trial (RCT) involving 60 patients undergoing primary TKA.
• Patients were randomized into a control group and a training group using an app-based active muscle training program postoperatively.
• Outcome measures included range of motion (ROM), pain levels, knee extension strength, functional tests, and patient-reported outcome scores (KOOS, KSS).

Main Results:

• The training group demonstrated significantly improved ROM, reduced pain at rest and during motion, and increased knee extension strength.
• Functional scores were significantly higher in the training group compared to the control group.
• A positive correlation was observed between the number of training sessions and improved clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• App-based feedback-controlled active muscle training is effective in enhancing clinical outcomes after TKA, particularly improving ROM and reducing pain.
• This digital training program presents a potential alternative to continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy in the postoperative TKA setting.